Small

Recent trends in contemporary art have meant that we've grown accustomed to large scale pieces, be that huge canvases, enormous sculptures, or giant installations.

However, the miniature has always been an important part of contemporary art. Be it paintings, sculpture, or photography as well as small format drawings, the reduced dimensions of the artwork puts new constraints on the artist, forcing them to develop their techniques and artistic finesse.

Jeff Wall, an American photographer known for his large scale photographic prints on huge illuminated boxes, has said that “the scale of a piece is not about the dimensions of it, but about the internal tensions within the composition".

Believe it or not, miniature pieces have many advantages. Smaller formats allow the artists to show off a different range of talents and techniques, and sometimes even create the impression of a much higher quality piece – such as engravings or prints. Creating a miniature is a sure sign of precision and skill.

They are also more practical to exhibit than the enormous artworks: we've all got a little space on a shelf ready to welcome a miniature sculpture, photo or drawing.

Another very practical aspect of miniatures is the myriad possibilities for display: you could put together a full shelf of statuettes, or even a dedicated framing wall – which is an increasingly popular method for display, and makes for the perfect decorative addition to a living room or bedroom. It's a mixed composition made up of an array of pieces – you guessed it – all on the same wall. The diminutive size of the miniatures also makes it easier to make sure your favourite pieces are displayed in pride of place.

Even artists who are known for their monumental works are slowly getting into miniatures, like Jeff Wall in his exhibition at the Cartier Foundation.

The miniature is making a big name for itself as a growing trend across the contemporary art world; from Gaspard Mitz, who creates tiny versions of the interiors of famous art galleries in his 'Box Stories', to the photography of Samsofy, who recreates scenes from daily life with miniscule Lego 'actors'.

Last but not least, the small scale of the pieces means that even big names come with small price tags, meaning that miniatures make excellent presents. So, go on, what are you waiting for? Browse our selection of miniature works now…

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Categories

Subcategories

Small

Golden Sunburst

Still life with Armenian instrument

Messaggio d'amore

Astratto 1

Lyrical Blossoms

Carefree

Little fantasy world # 9

Little fantasy world # 8

Little fantasy world # 7

Little fantasy world # 6

Little fantasy world # 4

Little fantasy world # 3

Coeur en vol

Germination

Hypnose

Constitution

Coeur de beurre

Fairy

The Nature of a Wave

Meadow Composition

This look

Jeux d'ombre

Cabanes bleue

Liberty Head

Urban Haring Tribute

Flowers

En Puisaye

Natural concrete

Sunset 68

Sunset 69

Saltwater 4

Modern Industrial Series Collection 3

Félicité

Flower Hill sunset II

Hazel Sky (Glowing grass)

Freedom Song

Here comes the sun

Sans titre

No. 72

No. 131

No. 99

Chuuut

Hexa Lovely Frida

Orange love (Collezione Love)

Simplicité édition d'art

Bien dans ma bulle edition d'art

Bien dans ma bulle édition

The wall

Calliste

Géo 3

Floral Crazy Love

Mavros

H22

H24

H28

H18

H9

A New Slate

Une vie à t'aimer

Mémoire du Temps 45

Counting The Waves, Painting, Watercolor on Canvas

Yes No.2

Mémoire du temps N° 25

Mémoire du temps N° 24

Mémoire du temps N°23

Mémoire du temps N° 18

Shamane

Rêveuse Amandine